Molecular mechanisms in signal transduction: new targets for the therapy of gynecologic malignancies.

Growth factor-mediated signal transduction pathways in gynecologic malignancies are summarized. Targeting critical tyrosine kinase pathways may lead to more specific anticancer regimens in gynecologic oncology. During the past 10 years significant progress in cancer treatment has been made through the discovery of potent specific and well-tolerated inhibitors of signal transduction. Improved understanding of molecules involved in signal transduction pathways will undoubtedly result in an increasing number of compounds under clinical investigation. Some of the described molecular therapeutic approaches are suitable to enrich the conventional chemotherapy. Copyright 2002 S. Karger GmbH, Freiburg